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On September 17-20, 2010; 3 LOGSAC regular members and 2 guest members have joined the Chartered Adventure at Bislig, Surigao del Sur. The event was dubbed “Kalingawan sa Aylan” which featured prime tourism destinations in Surigao called Hagonoy Island, Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River. Participating the event were members of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM) and Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI).

With me, Jonas, Papong, Dockie and Dancel were some of the delegates from Sta. Cruz municipality. Also joining from Sta. Cruz are members from AMECC group.

First stop was Hagonoy Island. This is a private atoll of Vice Mayor Conrad Cejoco surrounded with a fine white sand and pristine blue waters. It is a 30-minute ride from Mangagoy, the commercial center of Bislig City. While we were enjoying the sights, we were served with sumptuous lunch of fresh seafoods such as squid, crabs, fishes and shrimps. The island also was location of several outdoor games like beach volleyball, kayaking, fressbie, among others. On the evening of the first day was an offering of unlimited dancing the beat of reggae music.

On the second day, we headed our way to Tinuy-an Falls, a captivating waterfall located at the heart of Barangay Borboanan. This waterfall, according to some local folks, serves as Bislig’s window to the world, considering the many tourist arrivals it has generated from domestic and foreign places. There was also a side trip to Hinatuan town during the second day, where an enchanted river was introduced to us. Enchanted river is a blue-colored lagoon, its depth unfathomed until today and has been an abode of assorted fish species.

The officers of MFSM and MFPI ferried back to Hagonoy Island on the third day, while the other participants were sent back home. As part of the MFSM officials, I joined the meeting of the two mountaineering federations. There were a lot of resolutions made up, all relating to policies for the good of the mountaineering community in the Philippines.

We were homeward bound on the fourth day, but before home sweet home, we were treated with a very luxurious dinner by the Department of Tourism XI at Marina Tuna Restaurant, the best tuna restaurant in region XI. It was supposed to be a dinner meeting and farewell party of Ma’am Sonia Garcia, the previous director of DOT who retired from active duty. However, she failed to join the dinner because of more pressing commitment.

Marina Tuna Restaurant served as the breakaway point for MFSM and MFPI delegates. We left the place with numerous smirks on our respective faces.